Cotton Insect Losses - 2006

Abstract

Cotton losses to arthropod pests reduced overall yields by 2.96%. These losses reflect one of the lowest estimates reported since estimates began in 1979. The bollworm/budworm complex retained top ranking as the number one cotton pest by reducing yields by 0.876%. Lygus were number two at 0.667%; stink bugs were 3rd at 0.420%; Thrips were 4th at 0.382%., and spider mites were 5th at 0.198%. Total costs and loss for insects in 2006 were $1.021 billion. Direct management costs for arthropods were $48.08 per acre.

Background and Explanation of Tables

This information was provided by state coordinators and was collected from surveys of county agents, extension specialists, private consultants and research entomologists. All data are averaged over a total reporting unit. For example, if a unit report represents 100 acres had an 8% loss on 25 of those acres, then in the table summary this shows up as a 2% loss ((.08 x 25)/100). This type of averaging is used for all data reported, including yields and costs of control. Because of averaging and rounding some individual state summary numbers listed as '0' are slightly larger. Costs are averaged to the nearest cent, bales and acres to the nearest whole number, other numbers are rounded to the nearest .001

The Cotton Insect Losses Estimates are a simple attempt to arrive at the average cost of control of cotton arthropod pests. We attempt to arrive at the most accurate estimate possible for arthropod management activities, but have also added other costs which are incurred in cotton insect pest management. These 'additional' costs increase the bottom line of expenditures for arthropod pest management - but also more accurately reflect true expenditures. We include 'at planting insecticide costs,'(an estimate of the cost of systemic insecticides applied at planting for control of Thrips and other pests of seedling cotton); 'Bt cotton costs,'(an estimate of the technology fee); 'eradication costs'(which include the maintenance fee in those states which have eradicated the weevil and other eradication projects); and 'scouting costs;' in addition to the traditional 'foliar insecticide costs.' Bales lost are also given a dollar value using 480 pound bales at $0.65 per pound. Remember, these are estimates and may not totally reflect an individual farm or area, but they do reflect trends and serve as a general comparison.